Legislation Proposed In Response To MDC UConn Water Supply Plan

— State Rep. John Hampton, D-Simsbury, is proposing legislation that would halt future water diversions until a comprehensive plan for Connecticut's water usage is in place.

The bill takes aim at a controversial proposal by the Metropolitan District Commission to divert water from the Farmington River watershed to the University of Connecticut to serve its growing water needs.

Hampton introduced House Bill 5478 which proposes "that the general statutes be amended to establish a state-wide moratorium on water diversions until a state-wide water use plan is developed and implemented." It was recently referred to the Environmental Committee.

The MDC plan entails the construction of about 20 miles of pipeline and pumping stations from East Hartford to Mansfield and UConn to deliver up to 2 million gallons a day to area. It is one of three options being considered as the university expands and looks to meet growing water needs. UConn's growth has taxed local water supplies, including one point in 2005 when a section of the Fenton River was pumped dry. The university has since implemented a number of water conservation measures, it says.

The university now consumes about 1.3 million gallons of water per day, with usage peaking at nearly 2 million gallons a day, UConn said.

"This bill speaks to the need for a conversation on this issue," Hampton said Thursday. "We need to stop and think this through instead of proposing stop-gap measures."

Jason M. Coite, UConn's environmental compliance analyst, questioned the need for a moratorium, suggesting that existing agencies, such as the Water Utility Coordinating Committee and the Water Planning Council, are already tackling state water planning issues.

"Regional water planning bodies are already in place," Coite said. "I don't know if a moratorium is really necessary."

Coite also expressed concern that a moratorium could delay implementation of UConn's long-range water plan, putting the university and others relying on additional water in jeopardy. He said UConn's current sources are adequate for the next three to five years, about the time it would take to have new sources in place.

It is not clear when the Environment Committee plans to take up the proposed bill, which is being co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Kevin Witkos, whose 8th District covers Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington.

Officials, environmental groups and residents of these communities have expressed concern about diverting water from the watershed, which they worry could impact the Farmington River.

But MDC officials say the water proposed for UConn would be drawn from its Barkhamsted and Nepaug reservoirs — not the Farmington River, itself. They maintain that those reservoirs have more than enough capacity to meet UConn's demands without harming the river. UConn is also considering tapping local water sources such as the Shenipsit and Willimantic reservoirs, among other options. It said it is weighing all three options and does not favor any one at this point.

The public comment phase of the review process was closed Thursday. UConn's response is expected to take from 60 to 120 days, after which a report will be issued.

An official from UConn was unavailable Thursday for comment.

A decision on a water plan will be made and reviewed by the university's board of trustees by late spring or summer, according to the university. After that, financing and project phases will be determined.